Inside the Real World of Working with Celebrities, Athletes & High-Profile Clients in Real Estate
What Luxury Reality Shows Don’t Tell You
If you’ve ever dreamed of working with professional athletes, celebrities, or high-net-worth individuals in the real estate world—think again before picturing red carpets, private jets, high-fives at closing tables, and viral Instagram selfies.
Sure, it sounds glamorous. And yes, it’s an honor I don’t take lightly. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous athletes—including several Oklahoma City Thunder players—and a handful of recognizable names from the entertainment world. Some are the most genuine, respectful, down-to-earth clients you could ask for. But make no mistake—this arena requires a whole different level of preparation, professionalism, and privacy.
🎯 It’s Not Just the Client—It’s the Whole Team
When you land a high-profile client, you’re not just working with them—you’re working with their agent, their financial planner, their attorney, their spouse or significant other, their manager, and sometimes even their entire entourage.
Decisions aren’t always made quickly. Many times, you’re communicating through an assistant or gatekeeper. It’s less about “closing the deal” and more about educating and managing the expectations of multiple people, each of whom may have different opinions, goals, and concerns.
Especially with younger athletes who are new to money, fame, and investments, it’s essential to provide clear, digestible information—not just about the home, but about long-term property value, maintenance, insurance, security, and legal implications. You’re not just a Realtor—you’re an advisor, educator, and problem-solver rolled into one.
🛎️ Think Like a Luxury Hotel Concierge
If you’re going to work in this space, think of yourself more as a luxury concierge than a traditional agent. You need to:
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Anticipate their needs before they ask
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Be discreet, polished, and respectful
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Know your market inside and out—and beyond what’s on the MLS
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Have a trusted network of attorneys, inspectors, contractors, and title professionals on standby
Their time is incredibly limited. Many don’t want to see 15 homes. They want you to narrow the list to 3–4 that perfectly meet their needs and provide all the critical details upfront—quickly and simply.
And this is not the time to impress with industry jargon or flex your market stats. Be direct, be prepared, and stay focused on the goal: making their life easier.
🏀 Leasing Over Buying: What Thunder Players Often Choose
One trend I’ve noticed while working with professional athletes—especially Oklahoma City Thunder players—is their strong preference to lease high-end properties instead of buying.
Why? Because they often don’t know how long they’ll be here. Trades happen quickly. Careers pivot. And the last thing they want is to be stuck trying to sell a multimillion-dollar property in a market they may be leaving.
Some of the leases I’ve handled for A-list athletes and celebrities have exceeded $50,000 per month. These aren't typical rentals—they're luxury estates, often fully furnished with amenities like:
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Private gyms
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Indoor basketball courts
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Spa-style bathrooms
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Smart-home tech and surveillance
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Theater rooms and gourmet kitchens
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4+ car garages for exotic collections
They want convenience, security, and privacy—without the long-term tie-down of ownership. This insight has been a game changer in how I approach, market, and secure properties for this niche clientele.
🤐 Discretion Isn’t Optional—It’s Non-Negotiable
If you're trusted with a celebrity or athlete client, treat it as sacred. You’ll likely be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)—and I’ve personally signed several. It’s not just a formality—it’s a contract of trust.
Take it seriously. Don’t name-drop, don’t hint, and definitely don’t post anything on social media without explicit permission.
No selfies at showings. No “guess who I’m working with” captions. You could jeopardize the deal, the client’s safety, and your entire career.
Photos should never be taken during the process unless you've received full consent. Some clients don’t even want it known that they’re house-hunting, let alone where they’re living.
If the press reaches out, your answer should be simple: “No comment.”
Protect your client’s privacy like it’s your own.
💼 It’s Rewarding, But It’s Work
At the end of the day, working with celebrities and athletes can be thrilling and rewarding—but it’s also a high-pressure, high-performance world.
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The expectations are sky-high
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The room for error is nonexistent
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The ability to adapt and stay discreet is absolutely critical
This isn’t a job for someone who wants attention. It’s a role for someone who wants to serve at the highest level—quietly, professionally, and with excellence.
Do it well, and you won’t just earn a commission—you’ll earn lifelong trust, referrals, and access to a world most agents only dream of.
Wyatt Poindexter
Luxury Real Estate Specialist
The Agency Oklahoma
📞 405-417-5466
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.WyattPoindexter.com
Luxury isn’t about the price—it’s about the experience. And for my clients, it’s always first class.
